1946: Alberto Manzi is just back from the war and is looking for a job as a teacher; however, as he is an aspiring teacher with no connections in the field, it turns not to be an easy task. He finally gets a job nobody wants at the town's reformatory, teaching children and young people. Manzi suddenly finds himself dealing with kids that refuse to learn and don't understand why they should, but he gradually manages to gain their trust, helping them to open up and fulfil their dreams.